Cancer cases and deaths rising in India: Health Minister

Cases of various types of cancer and related deaths are on the rise in the country, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said Friday.

“As per data provided by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the cases of various types of cancer, including prostate cancer, and related deaths are on the rise in the country,” said Harsh Vardhan, replying to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The minister said the increase in the number of cases may be attributed to ageing population, unhealthy life styles, use of tobacco and tobacco products, unhealthy diet and better diagnostic facilities.

The estimated incidence of cases of cancer in the country rose from 10,86,783 in 2013 to 11,17,269 in 2014.

The maximum number of cases, 186,638 have been recorded in Uttar Pradesh.

The estimated cancer mortality cases in the country have also risen from 478,185 in 2013 to 491,597 in 2014.